I'm really eager to dive into native Linux application development, especially with GUIs, but I'm a bit lost on where to begin. I've been a web developer for about ten years, and I've dabbled in writing some simple command line applications and games in Rust, mainly for fun. However, I have this growing curiosity about creating more complex desktop applications, understanding their structure, and learning about the underlying technologies involved.
When I searched for beginner tutorials, many suggest sticking with web technologies and using Electron, but I'm not satisfied with that route. I feel like Electron apps can be quite heavy on resources, and I want to learn how native applications work instead of just wrapping a web app. I suspect that writing simple apps similar to the Windows Win32 API might be what I need, but I'm not sure what the equivalent would be in the Unix world. Is GTK a good option, or does it oversimplify things?
So, what would you recommend for someone like me who's starting out in native Linux application development? Are there good resources available, ideally books? What challenges or important aspects should I be aware of? Also, if there are ways to continue using Rust, that would be fantastic since I'm comfortable with it.
4 Answers
Sorry if my question was vague! I've since found this book from No Starch that looks perfect for my needs: System Programming in Linux. I think it might cover what I'm looking for!
You might want to avoid purely native development if possible, as it's often better to use standard APIs that work on both Linux and Windows. Not super familiar with Rust, but I've heard it's doable!
Cross-platform apps can sometimes feel off. It might be good to keep the interface separate from the core logic to create a more native experience.
I completely disagree with the notion of avoiding native development. Working with Win32 APIs has significantly improved my programming skills because it forces you to understand the platform better. While there's a case for cross-platform at times, diving into native development for learning is awesome.
That's true! I'm hoping that by moving past web development, I can really grasp how operating systems function and enhance my programming knowledge.
GTK is definitely the most common GUI framework for Linux, and there are Rust bindings available. Another good option is Qt, which is popular for KDE and also great for cross-platform development.
I think GTK is a solid choice. What I really want to know is where can I find good resources for learning Linux application development in general, not just the GUI part.
I get your point, but I feel using a cross-platform framework could limit my understanding of fundamental desktop app development and how the OS interfaces with applications.